A horrifying tragedy is unfolding in New Zealand with reports of mass shootings at mosques and other locations targeting Muslims. Whilst events are still raw, what is known so far points to the deliberate targeting of the Muslim population by one or more anti-Muslim far right supremacists.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Home Minister Peter Dutton have been busy in the wake of the Bourke St incident milking it for political gain. They have blamed Islam and the Muslim community, flagged new draconian laws, sought to bully Muslim leaders into a phony ‘engagement’ process and generally continued with the now familiar ‘war on terror’ rhetoric and practice.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other government ministers yesterday effectively endorsed the blatantly discriminatory, anti-Muslim executive order of US President Donald Trump, which suspends refugee intake and places various restrictions on migrants from Muslim-majority countries. Hizb ut Tahrir Australia condemns such policies of Trump and the Australian Government’s support

An Essential Research poll released yesterday found 49% of Australians support a ban on Muslim immigration primarily due to “fears of terrorism” and the belief that Muslims don’t share “Australian values” or integrate. Whatever the accuracy of this particular poll, there is little doubt that anti-Muslim sentiment is growing throughout the West.